Angler in need of some help

Hello my name is Jesse I'm 31 I live in central OH. I was in an auto accident and am confined to a wheelchair. I have a fishing friend and she is now 15 we spent the last summer Kayak fishing mostly for catfish. The biggest one being just shy of 20lbs witch she caught and what a thrill it was to see that fish dragging her around the lake screaming "OMG" LOL now she can't get enough fishing in. We recently upgraded our kayaks to Vibe angler 130 and we will be coming to lake Erie in the spring time around early may looking to catch some walleye. I really want to see her hook up on some walleye. I was looking at Maumee bay and drifting using 3/4oz purple walleye killer jigs with minnows. I have a Lowrence 5x HDI. I was hopping to get any advice to whether or not I am on the right track as far as bait, location, depths to look for. Thanks and would just like to say this group from what I have seen and read seem like a very good group my hats off to ya all!!!

Your on the right track. Lot of people will be fishing little to the east of maumee bay out front of wildwings. Wild wings is located next to the power plant. You can't miss all the boats out fishing. When you stop to get your minnows they should be able to tell you what color hair jigs are producing fish.

Before you come up give me a call and i will be more than happy to supply you with all the info you need to have a successful trip. 614.327.7144. Jim

Remember spring time the water is very cold and dangerous. Might want to plan for warmer weather. Don't want any accidents, a couple years ago a man and his daughter tried that in the spring and didn't return. Not trying to be negative but safety first.

Yes we will be very closely watching and monitoring the weather an actually this past fall was at the outer banks in some very rough surf. That being said we will be only going out on a calm or near calm day. However we have 2 years of Kayaking under our belt and have encountered rough water if it comes up. We don't take chances if the weather turns we head for the bank. Skipper9 thank you so much I follow your post and have your number already wrote down.

I run out of wild wings if you are thinking of going out there give me a call i will let you know where we are at and the program.
614-354-0652

I was looking at trolling lures any recommendations. Is down deep husky jerks good in the spring? and any recommendations on colors to try?

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Originally Posted by bevardjesse

I was looking at trolling lures any recommendations. Is down deep husky jerks good in the spring? and any recommendations on colors to try?

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yes a DHJ12 at 1.2mph would be an effective lure. I believe you would have to travel much farther from shore for it to be effective. Most of the time i target 30 foot of water when i troll crankbaits in the spring. This is only my humble opinion. Purple colors historically have worked the best.

does wild wings marina have a public boat ramp? I was looking at putting in just west of Maumee bay state park and heading toward Turtle Island? would it be better fishing farther east toward wild wings?

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Originally Posted by bevardjesse

does wild wings marina have a public boat ramp? I was looking at putting in just west of Maumee bay state park and heading toward Turtle Island? would it be better fishing farther east toward wild wings?

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yes.. i think its $10 to launch out if wild wings but not sure.

Not to be discouraging, but from wild wings to turtle island would be one long trip to paddle. You would be avlot closer to turtle island leaving from point place or halfway creek just over michigan line. Imo. I got caught out in my ranger bass boat last year jig season and the weather chaged on me. I was probably never more scared in my life. That water is very cold still. My bilge pumps were barely able to keep up. Be careful

Master Kraft sorry I think I worded something wrong I was asking if launching from west of Maumee bay state park and heading toward turtle Island OR launching from wild wings and going well not real sure were to head from there, but witch one would probably give better results and would either be equal chance to catch some walleye thanks again guys for all the info.

No worries brother, just be safe out there and you are correct, this is a great site with many helpful guys (and gals, Capt. Juls).

So just out of curiosity, is there any particular reason that you're heart set on going out in kayaks the first time? I know it can be done, but that just sounds dangerous. Also, if you're planning on going out in April and you're targeting walleye, have you considered the Maumee or Sandusky river? I've not been to the Maumee so some of these guys would have to tell you whether or not it would be safe for the yaks, but I've been out on the Sandusky and it seems to me that would be a safer option in kayaks that the lake and you could still target walleye in there that time of year.

Edit: I don't intend to be discouraging either. I just want to make sure that you have a full understanding and appreciation for just how deadly that lake can be and just how quickly it can become that way. I'm not sure about father west than turtle creek, but those reefs that people fish during the jig bite are quite a ways out there. Have a fun trip and BE SAFE!

call the coast guard and see what they tell you about yaking on the lake in hypo water. They will have some recommendations about how far out to venture. Just saying.

you can catch fish within a mile of shore from turtle creek to wild wings. its generally an early morning bite. like really early. Again would have to reccomend going out in a bigger boat with experienced captains. They will be able to accomodate your situation. Go with them a time or two, then you will see what you need to do and if it is possible from the kayaks. As everyone has already stated, erie is dangerous and people get in trouble very quickly. Please be safe!!

Others have hinted at it, but I will just say it. Kayaking lake erie in early may is a bad idea. The water temperature will most likely be mid 40's to maybe 50. This is no time to take a chance. If you wear survival suits, have at it. If not the chances of survival "if" something happens gets pretty slim, and the chances of something happening in a kayak on lake erie are good. I do not care what the air temperature is, if the lake temp is 45 you have to dress for 45 weather. There are many on this site and other sites as well as many charter captains, head boats, etc that you can go out with in the spring. Plan your lake erie kayak trip for when the water temp is 60F or above. Take a ferry out to the islands with your kayaks and catch small mouth, largemouth, catfish, sheephead, walleye, perch, etc all day long in enjoyable weather. Do not chance your life or the life a minor under your supervision in early spring in a kayak. Can it be done, sure, but should it be done???? My 2 cents is don't do it.

Ok guys thank you for your concerns. I would like to say we will be packing warm dry close that in the event something happens we will have warm dry close secondly these kayaks are sit on top made for surf and will drain out when turned back upright all that being said and again I thank you all for your concerns and from what I am gathering putting out at wild wings would possibly be more rough waters than putting in more farther back tucked in Maumee bay so I would like to ask this can you catch walleye in the mouth of the bay or just out from the mouth of the bay in early may.

yes you can but it gets rough in there as well. the places where the fish concentrate arent exactly protected areas. Also another thing to remember is that there will be hundreds to thousands of boats on the water and you will be very hard to see given the low profile nature of a kayak. We all pay attention to who is around us, but it is hard to see the smaller 16 to 18 ftrs at times especially if there is a decent chop let alone see a kayak. Like the last poster said there are plenty of opportunities. and very good fishing to be had, around the islands, plus close by the islands kayaks are much more common and people are looking for them. done preaching, good luck whatever you decide...just be safe

It's always possible. I can't speak specifically about Maumee Bay, but there was apparently a bite going on 200-300 yards off shore by Turtle Creek when I was up for the 4th of July weekend last year. I'm not a local or even regular up there, but I know there are times where those things occur.

Best of luck to you both, but I still hope you reconsider going out on one of the walk on charters that some of these fine gentleman list on here before attempting this yourself. Until you have seen the lake at its worst, there's really no way to put it into words that can make someone understand. I know you said you two have had two years of experience kayaking, but this lake claims the lives of mariners in 25' boats that were made for this lake annually, many of them with two or more DECADES of experience on the lake.

I'm not trying to say it can't be done. I'm sure that it would be a blast to experience if you can find a good bite. I just want to make sure you're understanding what we're trying to relay to you. I'd be willing to bet that at least half of the posters on here would say that the scariest experiences in their lives happened on that lake, and I would be in that group.

Just use good judgement and keep an eye on the forecast. It's okay to set a date and make reservations, just be prepared to cancel them if the weather isn't favorable. I'm attaching a to the wave link forecast, I'd recommend saving it and keeping an eye on it in the time leading up to your trip. You're not too far away, so the best plan would probably be to decide what dates you can go, then go up whichever of those days had a favorable weather forecast.

http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/LE/163.html

Check out the Ohio game fishing community, Northwest ohio fishing reports forum. It is mainly focused around the maumee river and the walleye run. I fish it every year and there are many walleye to be had there.
There are also many members who fish out of kayaks all season. I'm certain that they would be able to hook u up with info on gettin some eyes. There are many places to launch and plenty of areas to get out of the dangers the lake may throw at ya. Again, even those of us with smaller boats are very limited on conditions to safely get out for the jig bite. That is a reason I wade the maumee while others are killin em on the reefs and mud humps. Good luck

I've been reading this thread as it has grown and debated if I wanted to say something or not. Well I decided I should. It is in noway a good idea to attempt what you want to do. I lost two great friends last April 16th and my friends girlfriend and her niece to lake erie. My buddy was very experienced on erie and many other bodies of water. Mother nature doesn't care about experience or non experience. All i know is I'll never see them again and there are no for sure answers as to what happened as the boat was found structurley sound. No alocohol factor just a pure accident. I would strongly recommend using one of the great captains on here. If something happens to you not only are you putting your life in danger but others also. Many can vouch on here I'm sure that they've had the crap scared out of them on erie and add cold water to the situation its a recipe for disaster. I really hope you rethink your choices. I'm not trying to be a ahole i just don't want to see anything bad happen

Ok guys I hear your concerns. I would like advice from anyone that would like to talk about Walleye fishing in Maumee bay closer to the mouth of the river in late April early May. I would like to thank those of you who have voiced your concern and then gave me advice on were to target and what to use. I will be coming up in late April early May weather permitting. So any and all FISHING ADVISE would be greatly appreciated.

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Originally Posted by loomis82

I've been reading this thread as it has grown and debated if I wanted to say something or not. Well I decided I should. It is in noway a good idea to attempt what you want to do. I lost two great friends last April 16th and my friends girlfriend and her niece to lake erie. My buddy was very experienced on erie and many other bodies of water. Mother nature doesn't care about experience or non experience. All i know is I'll never see them again and there are no for sure answers as to what happened as the boat was found structurley sound. No alocohol factor just a pure accident. I would strongly recommend using one of the great captains on here. If something happens to you not only are you putting your life in danger but others also. Many can vouch on here I'm sure that they've had the crap scared out of them on erie and add cold water to the situation its a recipe for disaster. I really hope you rethink your choices. I'm not trying to be a ahole i just don't want to see anything bad happen

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loomis82~~ Your opinion is one of the best responses to hit this thread.

Everyone who has fished the big lake for very long knows for a fact that it can go from dead calm and flat to 3 to 4 footers in a matter of just a few minutes and without warning, making it difficult for power boats to stay in control of their own safety, let alone having to basically paddle yourself to safe harbor when time is of most importance to make safe harbor. We all know the weather guessers miss the mark quite often for the big lake, especially wind forecasts which are notoriously wrong early and late in the season due to the unsettled weather! Add to that the high amount of boat traffic that will be in the area, some of which will have questionable boat operators at the helm making large wakes and possibly not paying attention to the possibility there may be smaller watercraft on the water with them just adds another variable to the safety equation.

Early in the season you will have the added threat of extremely cold water to deal with, making hypothermia a real threat. There is a big difference between being wet/soaked and on shore and being wet trying to stay afloat in 40 to 50 degree water where you are immersed or mostly submerged. Just getting soaked with that cold water and trying to maintain your composure while paddling for safe harbor while still in your kayak can be more than what your body can endure as a wind chill factor can be just as deadly as being actually immersed in the water.

I feel that the decision to do this or not is yours to make and I am not telling you not to do it. I am in all honesty trying to make you aware of all of the hazards that you may be facing, and ask that you weigh those hazards very carefully before you make your final decision.

I've lived and boated my entire life on Lake Erie, western basin. You have no idea of what you are talking about in regards to taking kayaks out on the lake. Actually I'm wondering if this isn't a prank? If it isn't, wear life jackets so your bodies can be found quickly to start your life insurance payoff process. Help the rescue searchers find your bodies in a day or so, think of them out there because you obviously are not thinking of yourselves.
Is this a prank/joke posting?

I questioned the validity of this as well, buy I figured I'd approach it as if it was someone who was seriously considering taking a kayak out onto lake Erie on sub 50 degree water. I know that anyone who's been out on the lake enough has experienced something that makes them understand and appreciate the dangers it presents.

If you're looking for fishing advise, I've contributed my two cents. My adviser is to go out on a charter first or, if you insist on chasing eyes in a kayak, to do so on one of the rivers during the down. I cannot in good conscious recommend any locations, strategies or anything else on the lake for someone in a kayak with a child in tow. The waves, wind and currents are too dangerous and a lake of glass can turn into a lake of horrors on the span of ten minutes.

Honestly, the refs that are targeted for the jig bites are miles from shore, getting home is traveling into the wind 90% of the time and having less than 2' waves that far out is simply a rarity. Nobody here is trying to be mean or rude, were trying to relay to someone just how serious a situation it can be and trying to keep Jenny Greenteeth from claiming another 2 victims.

Ok guys my Facebook is [email protected] with map of were we will be putting in and were we are planning on going please take a look see if that will ease some of your concerns and then please can you tell me if and what the chances of catching a few Walleye would be.

http://m.toledoblade.com/local/2014/...Lake-Erie.html

Sorry if this story hits close to home for some of you, I just wanted to make sure there's not another like out this year.

Ok I want to say thanks to the couple guys that have helped me. To the worry warts I have tried to stress we will be taking every persuasion we can, but we will be their in the spring we will be in kayaks. In the state of Ohio there was 80 deaths due to auto accidents in 2014 and on Lake Erie there was 6 deaths 2 of witch was Kayaks. Statistically speaking if you are that worried maybe you should stop driving and stay out of automobiles. Sorry I come here for info on Walleye fishing I know the dangers of the lake I know the water turns fast, but I did not come here to here about that I was simply trying to get some fishing info. I will not be deterred. So say what you want call me an idiot I don't really care. I again thank those of you who gave me the info I was asking for and would again appreciate any more info. I could get about fishing the back waters of Maumee bay.

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Originally Posted by bevardjesse

Ok I want to say thanks to the couple guys that have helped me. To the worry warts I have tried to stress we will be taking every persuasion we can, but we will be their in the spring we will be in kayaks. In the state of Ohio there was 80 deaths due to auto accidents in 2014 and on Lake Erie there was 6 deaths 2 of witch was Kayaks. Statistically speaking if you are that worried maybe you should stop driving and stay out of automobiles. Sorry I come here for info on Walleye fishing I know the dangers of the lake I know the water turns fast, but I did not come here to here about that I was simply trying to get some fishing info. I will not be deterred. So say what you want call me an idiot I don't really care. I again thank those of you who gave me the info I was asking for and would again appreciate any more info. I could get about fishing the back waters of Maumee bay.

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Dude! Leave the 15 year girl at home!

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Originally Posted by Bggeary

Dude! Leave the 15 year girl at home!

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2nd this!!!!! Leave the girl at home. You have zero experience on Lake Erie, which is very evident from the questions you are asking about where to fish and how to fish. If you are dead set on doing this, go with another crazy adult or by yourself (I really don't recommend by yourself) for the first trip. Gain some first hand experience on the lake in the spring and how miserably cold and wet you will be even if you don't fall in the water. Your statistics mean nothing since most kayakers are smart enough to not even attempt what you are thinking. Just do us all a favor and make the first trip without the girl. Gain first hand experience and don't go by that "statistically" it's safe. Until you experience it for yourself first hand you will not understand what we are trying to tell you. Again, please plan a pre-trip for yourself without the girl to make an educated decision on if it's worth risking your fishing partners life on.

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Originally Posted by bocajemma

2nd this!!!!! Leave the girl at home. You have zero experience on Lake Erie, which is very evident from the questions you are asking about where to fish and how to fish. If you are dead set on doing this, go with another crazy adult or by yourself (I really don't recommend by yourself) for the first trip. Gain some first hand experience on the lake in the spring and how miserably cold and wet you will be even if you don't fall in the water. Your statistics mean nothing since most kayaks are smart enough to not even attempt what you are thinking. Just do us all a favor and make the first trip without the girl. Gain first hand experience and don't go by that "statistically" it's safe. Until you experience it for yourself first hand you will not understand what we are trying to tell you. Again, please plan a pre-trip for yourself without the girl to make an educated decision on if it's worth risking your fishing partners life on.

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bocajemma~~You nailed it.

On top of that bevardjesse stated that there were 6 deaths on lake Erie last year, 2 of which or 1/3 of the deaths were kayakers, and 4 of which or 2/3 were boaters. We all know that there was a single accident last spring that took 4 lives and caused a great deal of pain and suffering for those family members who had to wait several days for all of their loved ones to be found. Most are also familiar with the deaths of those 2 in their Kayaks on Sandusky Bay.

Putting this in another light statistically, exactly 1/3 of the fatal accidents involved a motorized watercraft where there has been no determination as to what caused the accident in the first place. 2/3 of the fatal accidents involved 2 kayaks in the same incident but different accidents. The cause of those accidents was determined to be going on the water in unsafe conditions with a craft that was not of sufficient design to offset the water conditions and/or lack of experience. In both cases exposure was a factor in all of those deaths!

Safety is the first order of business when on the water, please do not come on this site and ask for rookie fishing advise and then tell us you will be first time Kayak fishermen on Lake Erie. Is it any wonder there were posts questioning your experience with lake Erie and the ability to deal with the most treacherous of the Great Lakes with wind and weather changes. Questions about fishing should be second. Most if not all of the people on this site want you to come and enjoy the Lake and to do so in a safe manner.

Ok so If we go 100 yards out from shore in the bay in the evening on a calm day with light winds forecasted threw the day your telling me that it is unsafe? If you are truly saying this is unsafe stay out of automobiles.

Hey guys my names Lillian, and I am the 15 year old girl, that you guys seem to be so worried about. If you please listen I 'am not your average 15 year old girl. I work part time, I save my money and I know what to do in an emergency. Now on top of that Im 5'8 and about 160, and I am strong. I 'am a strong swimmer and yes we know what we are getting our selves into. So, please I don't like hearing "Leave the girl" and other negativity. Because yes we know its dangerous and it can be deadly, but we know this and we are taking all of the necessary precautions and we are going to go well prepared. I personally love going out in the kayaks, and fishing. And over the winter we upgraded our kayaks to ones that are made for this kind of stuff, they are 13" and are sturdy enough to where a grown man could stand up in it. Over the last few years of kayaking Jesse and I have experienced all kinds of water and obstacles, and yet we have made it though it all, we have learned a ton about kayaking, and we very much enjoy it, so what I 'am saying is your negativity and "Leave the girl" comments are not going to stop us. That would be like me telling you "don't get in your car today, because there was an accident". Ok, so all im asking is please stop with the negativity and just tell us about the fishing. Because I want to catch my first walleye this year. Thank You For Reading and Please Just Fishing Tips. Please and Thank You
Lillian

That's not necessarily unsafe, but you're also probably not going to catch very many walleye 100 yards offshore. Most fishing for walleye is done miles offshore. If you're up there in may, you should be able to catch plenty of white bass in and around either of the rivers since they will be spawning. As far as walleye from a yak, I'd say again to consider the Sandusky river during April. The water will still be extremely cold, but you'll be a hell of a lot closer to shore.

Hey guys it me Lillian, Jesses fishing buddy. Now I have been listening to him read your guys posts over the last few days and I am getting tired of hearing so much negativity, and about him leaving me home are you NUTS!? He is in a wheelchair, plus I wouldn't let him go with out me. I absolutely love kayaking and fishing. We both know what to do in an emergency. Yes, I know I am 15, ad when think of a 15 year old girl you think small weak and most times prisy. Well I am here to set the record strait. I stand about 5'8 and about 160, I can throw 40lb bags around like they are nothing. I love fishing and anything outside. And just saying you guys saying negative stuff and telling Jesse to leave me at home, Please we don't want negative stuff, we just want to know about the fishing. And all your negative comments are not going to stop us, and im going. Thanks for reading

Ok not many I know that but, can we catch a couple not looking for monsters or even limits just looking to catch a couple they say in the evenings they come in toward the shore what would be the best lure I have received info that 10ft to 11ft is a good depth to look for. purple hair jigs 3/4 oz tipped with minnows jigging about 6 inches off the bottom at a slow drift.

I wouldn't waste anymore time on this person. Serious or not its a bad idea. They arent taking any advice so in I wouldn't feed into this anymore.

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Originally Posted by bevardjesse

Ok so If we go 100 yards out from shore in the bay in the evening on a calm day with light winds forecasted threw the day your telling me that it is unsafe? If you are truly saying this is unsafe stay out of automobiles.

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Look lets not go there, that was not your original question and you have now moved the goal posts as to what your original question was. You asked a question and you were given several answers/opinions! If you do not like the answers/opinions you receive then do not ask the questions. Those that have responded to your question (in your opinion) in a negative way have at least a couple of hundred years of combined experience on lake Erie. I myself have almost 60 years experience on the big lake. The answers/opinions that you received were based on practcal on the water experience of those who responded.

Your analogy of comparing cars to what we are saying about the use of kayaks is flawed. There are each and every day of the year millions of cars in the state of Ohio traveling the roads within the state. Boaters are a few hundred thousand on the waters of Lake Erie on a limited basis and at most 8 or 9 months a year. So the % of death rate per vehicle on the highways and roads of Ohio vs % of death rate per watercraft on the Ohio waters of lake Erie would be much lower than what you are insinuating.

Lets be honest about this issue! You have it in your head that you are going to do this spring Kayak thing, so go do it. Best of luck to you and your charge in your pursuit of walleyes.

Lol well your not giving any advise other than don't go out. How about giving advise on what would be a reasonable distance from the shore to be out in case the weather turns. I can personally say I will promise we will never be out of eyesight of land. Then maybe we could get back to fishing things, but most of you just want to say don't come spend money on a charter. So yes I agree if you are just going to say don't come. Then yes don't waist anymore time posting here.